Badminton champ foresees tough 2020

New national badminton champion Matthew Lee is readying himself for a busy 2020 on the court and in the classroom. Winner of his first Jamaica men’s singles title in November, Lee will focus on international tournaments, including the Jamaica International Badminton Championships in March, and successfully navigating his final year in medical school. Beyond that, he thinks he has a shot at the 2024 Olympics.

“For next year, definitely, I can’t be fooling around,” Lee told The Gleaner. “Next year is final year in medical school, arguably one of the toughest years, and on top of that now for badminton, since I am national champion, they’re actually pushing me more to international tournaments. The first one is going to be in March, but this is in Jamaica, so definitely, my first priority is that tournament in Jamaica.”

Lee is still feeling good about his Nationals victory.

“You know, actually, I was thinking about it the last few days, and I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

His father, Tommy Lee, who is a doctor and a former national player, introduced him to the game when he was young.

“To be honest with you, at first, I never really liked it,” he explained. “I did not really like it that much. Then as years went by, I started to understand why the game is so beautiful, you know?”

The Campion College graduate has struck a fine balance between his dedication to both school and sport.

“You have to just go after what you want out of life,” he said. “A lot of sacrifices have to be made, but it’s ultimately what I want.”

Once again, his father led by example.

“When I was going up, he used to train for squash at the time, and I used to watch and see, and he would come home from work and train for hours,” he said admiringly of his father’s example.

The champion is beginning to think about focusing on badminton after he graduates.

“I think the 2024 Olympics is very, very possible, but I don’t think it would be possible working as a doctor during that time,” he said. “I would have to take those years off to focus on the Olympics and then practise after.” At just 21, he reckons the hourglass is pointing his way.

“Time is on my side, and as an athlete, you know, your career is very short, so maybe it’s best to focus on this while I’m young,” he said.